MAY 8TH, 2016 (SUN)

JAPAN DAY FESTIVAL

RUN

ART CONTEST

The Guest Juror - Charlotte Kate Fox

Earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in dramatic dance at College of Santa Fe , then received a master’s degree in drama at Northern Illinois University. Played the leading roles in plays such as Chicago and received high praise for her acting abilities and dance skills. In Japan, she starred as the heroine in NHK’s(Japan Broadcasting Corporation) morning television series “Massan” and will also appear this spring in the drama series “Our House” and the film “Kodai Family's People”.

Message From Charlotte

"Her artwork incorporates the themes in a very creative way and I was moved by its simplicity and sophistication at the same time. I immediately fell in love with this piece! "

Winner - Huy Voun Lee

Japan. New York City. Central Park. These three places play a big part in my life. Japan is like a second home, when I visit my husband’s parents. New York City is where I grew up. Central Park is an oasis where I can go to relax. Before I began to sketch out my design, I asked myself, “How can I combine these three themes to create an enchanted landscape that people would want to visit?” I decided it was best to use meaningful Eastern and Western symbols: origami cranes, monarch butterflies and cherry blossoms. Cranes represent peace and everlastingness. Monarch butterfly is a North American species. No matter how far they migrate, they always come back home in the spring. Cherry blossoms, in Japanese culture, represent a beautiful, yet fleeting moment in life that can never be forgotten. Since Japan Day only happens once a year in NY, as well as on Mother's Day, I want my illustration to remind people to cherish those moments when every one of all races come together to have fun in Central Park. And just like the monarchs, I hope people will come back to the festival every year. Last, but not least, I am thankful to be a part of this joyous event.

FOOD TENTS

AMEZAIKU - Usagi-ya Inc.

GYOZA - Ajinomoto North America, Inc.

ONIGIRI - ITOCHU International Inc.

OKONOMIYAKI Otafuku Foods, Inc. RAMEN Sun Noodle

SNACK 1 (Hello Panda) - Meiji America Inc.

SNACK 2 (Snapea And Shrimp Chips) - TABLE FOR TWO USA

TEA - ITO EN (North America) Inc.

YAKISOBA BentOn / BentOn Cafe

CHARITY TENT

The major earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on April 14th, 2016, and the damages are widely spread across the Kyushu region, especially in Kumamoto and Oita prefecture. This year, Japan Day set up a charity tent at the event to raise awareness and collect donations.